Management and Treatment

Management and treatment of these injuries should include ergonomic/workstation assessment to highlight the aggravating factors along with posture check, and exercise regime. Stages 1 – 3 recovery may take several weeks. Stage 4 recovery can be protracted and a return to the aggravating activity may not always be possible.

Physiotherapy treatment includes advice on good working posture, the prescription of stretches including advice on stretch breaks, soft tissue massage, myofascial trigger point treatment (both manual and dry needling techniques) and pain relieving electrotherapy and thermal modalities. As always

“Prevention is better than cure”

Remember

Good ergonomics

Good posture/back care

Stretch breaks

Early intervention is key in preventing these injuries from progressing to permanent disorders.

10 Steps to be comfortable at your desk

Adjust seat height so elbows are approximately at a 90⁰ angle when typing

Feet firmly on the ground

Sit close to your desk with shoulders relaxed and arms by your sides

Keep your lower back in contact with your back rest

Have your monitor centred in front of you and at fingertip distance away

Top of your screen at eye level

Have the keyboard in front of the monitor and the mouse close to the keyboard

Maintain leg room under the desk

Change posture frequently and get up from the chair frequently

Look away from the monitor at least every 20 minutes to reduce eyestrain